My goal is long-term appreciation on a property w/sufficient cash flow to make a long-term hold practical.

If I pass for it with all cash, then it’s fee simple absolute.  

Location is 1.7 miles from the beach, also extremely desirable whether it is annual or short term tenants.

The location defines all long-term income characteristics, including whether your rents keep pace with inflation, the total capital required to acquire sufficient properties to maintain your standard of living, and how long your income will last.There is a straightforward location selection process.

Going over your numbers, have you considered a long term rental instead?

Terms of your contract will control Typically, the agreement with be either a specified term or month-to-month, and should have a termination clause.

So can all-cash investing FEEL "safe", simple, "easy", yup sure can.

Rent has been a little less than I expected, but I believe that this was due to a temporary glut of long-term rentals when the city made short-term rentals illegal last year in most situations. 

They also said they offer fully amortized long term loans!

Now of course I have heard some of terms and lingo being thrown around by friends, family, and now the podcast, but I still wouldn't even attempt to engage in any of these forum posts due to my lack of knowledge.